awarded Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart

On Feb. 15, the Florida Highway Patrol recognized Lt. Channing Taylor for his heroism during a shooting incident that occurred on June 14, 2015. Lt. Taylor was awarded the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart. (Image for Space Coast Daily)

On Feb. 15, the Florida Highway Patrol recognized Lt. Channing Taylor for his heroism during a shooting incident that occurred on June 14, 2015.

Lt. Taylor was awarded the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart.

The Medal of Valor is the highest award bestowed by the Florida Highway Patrol based on a member’s display of outstanding bravery, gallantry or courage when faced with great personal danger.

The Purple Heart is presented to a member who has been injured or wounded by acts of aggression while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer.

Gene Spaulding

“Lt. Taylor is to be commended for his actions. He not only ended a life threatening situation to himself, but saved the lives of individuals around him,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

“Lt. Taylor demonstrated his commitment to the Florida Highway Patrol and the residents and visitors of the great state of Florida by his actions that day.”

On June 14, 2015 at approximately 9:15 pm, Lt. Taylor observed a red pickup truck entering the parking lot of the Pilot Gas Station on State Road 520 in Brevard County without headlights on. Lieutenant Taylor conducted a traffic stop.

After the initial contact with the driver, the passenger of the vehicle produced a revolver and fired at Lt. Taylor striking him in the shoulder.

Lt. Taylor found cover and with a clear line of sight, engaged the subject with his service weapon, fatally wounding him.

The driver of the truck was taken into custody immediately after the incident. It was later learned the suspect had a suicide pact with the driver and his actions show he wanted to harm others as well.